Mariana Vélez-Pintado, Departamento de Medicina Interna e Infectología, Centro Médico ABC, Ciudad de México, México
Jesica Naanous-Rayek, Departamento de Dermatología y Micología, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
Ana P. Landeta-Sa, Departamento de Dermatología y Micología, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
Ana C. Carbajal-César, Departamento de Pediatría y Epidemiología Clínica, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México, México
Alejandra M. Guerrero-Villalpando, Departamento de Cardiopatías Congénitas y Pediatría, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
Alexandro Bonifaz, Departamento de Dermatología y Micología, Hospital General de México Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Ciudad de México, México
Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable viral disease of mandatory epidemiological reporting that remains an active global public health threat. Caused by the measles virus (Paramyxoviridae family), a single-serotype pathogen with a basic reproduction number of 12-18, it is transmitted via aerosolized respiratory droplets. The classic clinical presentation begins with a prodrome of fever, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis, followed by Koplik’s spots and a characteristic cephalocaudal maculopapular rash. Diagnosis is confirmed through specific IgM serology, polymerase chain reaction or viral culture. Management is primarily supportive; vitamin A supplementation reduces childhood mortality by up to 62% and is universally recommended by the WHO for all diagnosed children. Complications occur in approximately 30% of cases; the most frequent and usually mild include diarrhea (8%) and otitis media (7-9%), while severe complications include pneumonia, diarrhea, acute encephalitis, acute post-infectious measles encephalomyelitis, and, years later, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The most vulnerable populations include children under 5, young adults without prior immunization, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella) achieves 97% efficacy after two doses and requires population coverage above 93% to sustain herd immunity. In Mexico, declining vaccination rates contributed to more than 12,000 confirmed cases and over 33 deaths accumulated during the 2025–2026 outbreak, predominantly in unvaccinated children. Post-exposure prophylaxis with MMR within 72 hours or immunoglobulin within 6 days is indicated for susceptible high-risk individuals. Global coordination, sustained vaccination campaigns, and heightened clinical awareness remain essential to curb transmission. This article was prepared to provide a comprehensive review of measles, covering the associated risks, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
Keywords: Vaccines. Febrile exanthem. Herd immunity. Outbreak. Paramyxoviridae.